Massive Prison Break in Haiti Amid Escalating Violence

Haiti’s National Penitentiary was stormed by armed gangs leading to the escape of several notorious gang leaders and other inmates. The attack on the highly overcrowded prison, which houses some of the country’s most high-profile prisoners, was confirmed by high-level police sources. The escapees include those indicted for the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.

The prison break occurred after the gangs had besieged the Port-au-Prince prison for several days. The siege took place while Prime Minister Ariel Henry was visiting Kenya to finalize an agreement for the deployment of a United Nations-backed Multinational Security Support mission to help the Haiti National Police combat escalating gang violence.

Gang Violence Disrupts Capital

The absence of the Prime Minister was seized upon by the gangs, who launched a terrorizing attack on the capital. The assault led to the deaths of at least five police officers and the cancellation of international flights after shots were fired near the airports. Both American Airlines and Spirit Airlines, along with Haiti-based Sunrise Airways, had to cancel flights from South Florida after several of their airplanes were hit by bullets. While international flights resumed on Friday, the U.S. embassy issued a security alert warning of heavy gunfire in multiple locations in the capital.

Escalating Crisis in Haiti

The latest wave of attacks marks a dangerous escalation in the level of violence in Haiti. Over 314,000 people have already been displaced, and the toll is expected to rise. The National Penitentiary, located in downtown Port-au-Prince, is the most overcrowded prison in the country. Designed for 1,300 inmates, it housed 3,696 prisoners before the break. Among the inmates were 17 Colombians accused of plotting against President Moïse, and the late president’s palace security chief, Dimitri Hérard, and security coordinator, Jean Laguel Civil.

Use of Drones by Gangs

In a worrying development, the gangs have reportedly begun to use drones for their operations. A video circulated online showed a drone view of the prison, allegedly operated by the leader of the Baz 5 Segon gang, Izo. The video showed a lack of police presence in the prison yard, with gang members being informed of their progress. An unidentified voice was heard confirming the prison break. Izo also shared a drone video from atop an office building in the palace yard, mocking police officers from the National Palace’s security unit.

Haitian Police Call for Unity

Two Haitian police unions have called for unity among police officers to protect prisons and strategic intersections such as the road leading to the international airport. Gang members, who appear to be more coordinated and united than ever, had been trying for months to breach the country’s main prison. Their unsuccessful attempts on both the prison and National Palace were reported on Friday as automatic gunfire echoed across the capital.

In a significant development, former policeman-turned-gang member Jimmy Chérizier, aka Barbecue, has taken credit for the latest wave of violence, stating in a shared online video that the goal is to “topple” Henry and his government.